Dear Neighbor,

I wanted to take a moment to share a recent letter I led to Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas urging the Biden Administration to immediately redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status and halt deportations while our Caribbean ally faces this emergency.

These actions would authorize Haitian nationals in the United States to remain in the country until conditions improve in Haiti. With nearly 70 Members of Congress and more than 400 advocacy organizations signing on to our letter, we are fighting tirelessly to protect the lives of displaced Haitians as their nation confronts a humanitarian crisis and political instability.

In the letter, we wrote, “Both of these steps are necessary to ensure that the United States does not return Haitian nationals to a government incapable of protecting its citizens — often subjecting them to repression and violence — and gangs that brutally victimize residents and operate without restrictions. Because of the quickly worsening gang violence in Haiti, the uncertain political future following Prime Minister Henry’s resignation announcement, the lack of accountability for human rights violations, and the current government’s abuses, we urge you to extend and redesignate TPS for Haiti and use your discretion to halt deportation flights to the country. These actions will prevent further suffering and unnecessary loss of life.”

Read more about the letter here.

Haiti is undoubtedly experiencing some of the most horrific times in a generation. So, the United States must use its leverage to step up and help provide the support necessary to encourage stability, safety, and security for the people of Haiti. As a Co-Chair of the House Haiti Caucus, I will continue working diligently to ensure that the U.S. helps address this crisis and assist one of our most beloved Caribbean allies.

Sincerely,